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August was another big month for ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç athletes, with historic milestones, international representation, and recognition for excellence both on and off the field. From promotion in football and standout performances in para-sport to strong showings in basketball, paddling, and rugby league, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç talent was on display across a wide range of sports.

It was a landmark moment for ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Football Club, as the men’s side earned promotion to the NPL NSW Men’s for the first time in the club’s 66-year history. A dramatic 90th-minute winner from Jordan Morfitis sealed a 2–1 victory over the Northern Tigers, securing the 2025 League One Premiership. The title capped off a remarkable season that included a nine-game winning streak and the best defensive record in the league.

The women’s side also delivered a statement win, with captain Chloe Smith scoring a hat-trick, including a last-minute winner, to defeat the Northern Tigers 3–2. The result extended their winning streak to four matches and confirmed their place in the finals.

Tamsin Colley was selected to represent the ParaMatildas at the 2025 IFCPF Women’s Intercontinental Cup. Australia advanced to the final after strong wins over Denmark, the Netherlands, and Nepal, before losing their final group match to the USA. In a rematch of the 2022 and 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup finals, the ParaMatildas again met the USA in the decider, going down 7–1. Tamsin played a key role throughout the tournament, scoring two goals and setting up several more, reinforcing her impact on the international stage.

The University Basketball League (UBL) tipped off for ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs second year in the competition. Both the men’s and women’s teams faced tough opening games against UTAS and USYD, but bounced back with important wins; the men defeating Curtin University, and the women overcoming UWA Maali. Elite Athlete Program member Jasynta Haydar has been a standout, named in the UBL Starting Five Team of the Week in Round 2 after posting 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Paddler Mark Crosbee closed out his European kayak cross campaign with a series of impressive results across three ICF World Ranking races:

• Bratislava: 7th in the Short Slalom K1M Final.
• Prague: 23rd in Short Slalom K1M, 22nd in the CSLX Time Trial, and 11th overall after advancing through the heats before bowing out in the quarterfinals.
• Épinal: 9th in the CSLX Time Trial and 7th overall, progressing to the semi-finals.

ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Elite Athletes Ethan Bullemor (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Bachelor of Advanced Economics/MBA) and Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters, Bachelor of Construction Management) were honoured at the 2025 NRL Academic & Excellence Awards. Both were named to the NRL Academic Team of the Year, recognising their contributions to education, community, and leadership beyond the field. Bullemor also claimed the night’s top award, being named NRL Academic Player of the Year. The accolade capped off a standout season in which he played his 100th NRL game and signed a new four-year deal. Smith was also acknowledged for his strong year, playing a key role in the Roosters’ late-season push for the finals.

With ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇFC making history, our EAP’s competing on the world stage, and athletes recognised for excellence across both academic and sporting arenas, August highlighted the depth and breadth of ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs sporting community. As finals campaigns continue and international seasons progress, we look forward to seeing a strong finish to 2025 for ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç athletes and clubs.